Wiseparent mediation is a special type of problem solving that helps divorced or separated parents to make decisions together on behalf of their children. A clinician helps parents reach agreement on specific issues and on ways of communicating about these issues. The goal is a collaborative, non-adversarial partnership putting the children’s needs first. Decisions reached mutually by parents are more satisfying to families than decisions that are imposed by the court.

Wiseparent mediation is not an investigation and not for the purpose of trading accusations. It is a coming together to reach effective resolutions. It is “win-win," and aims to eliminate the “vs.” mindset of adversaries.

Wiseparent mediation can help parents learn about the special developmental risks faced by children whose parents are in conflict, and how to minimize difficulties by working together. In addition, parents can acquire organizational skills that are helpful in managing children across two households, thereby reducing stress and conflict.

The clinician does not make decisions but can help parents to look at issues in a broader way so they can create structure that enables them to live in greater peace, having negotiated clearer boundaries, roles and ways of communicating.

Time share plans sometimes ignore children’s need to feel that their parents are their parents 100% of the time. This emotional reality can only be achieved by parental cooperation.

Wiseparent mediation is voluntary and is by mutual agreement of the parents. It is confidential and only the status of the mediation can be shared. The clinician does not testify in court.

Wiseparent mediation is different from psychotherapy, although parents often decide to seek individual psychotherapy. The therapy can be supportive of the mediation in that it helps them gain perspective on their own role in the conflict and with separating old grievances from the task of building a partnership for their children.

Wiseparent mediation does not include issues of asset division or child support payments.

Children greatly benefit from efforts by their parents to develop new communication skills to discuss matters that concern them. Flexibility, openness to change, and compromise are important concepts in Wiseparent mediation. The fact that parents agree on something may, indeed, be far more important to their children’s psychological health than the particular issue upon which they agree. Children need and deserve the security that comes from experiencing their parents supporting each other’s parenting.

Parents are referred to Wiseparent services by therapists, clergy, attorneys and the court. An adjusted fee scale is available.

Partial funding for this program is provided by